BelmavsMarco Polo

Belma and Marco Polo are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Belma

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

8.5–12.1%

Beta acid

4–8%

Total oil

1–2.5 mL

United States

Marco Polo

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–13%

Beta acid

4.5–5.5%

Total oil

-

China

Key differences

When to pick Belma

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Marco Polo

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Belma

OrangeMelonStrawberryPineappleGrapefruitBerryCitrusTropical

Only in Marco Polo

GooseberryOreganoElderflower

Property

PropertyBelmaMarco Polo
Alpha acid8.5–12.1%12–13%
Beta acid4–8%4.5–5.5%
Co-humulone-30–35%
Total oil1–2.5 mL-
Myrcene65–68%40–50%
Humulene-15–25%
Caryophyllene-8–12%
Farnesene-0–1%
OriginUnited StatesChina
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons